The group of Vanaras in search of Sita roamed around in the forest for several days without success. Angada anxiously told his team that they have also failed and the punishment for failure would be severe for Angada since Sugriva and Angada’s father had fought each other. He said he would prefer to die right where they were and asked his team to return.

Picture Credit: Dr K.U.Krishnakumar and Guruvayoor Devaswom

The Vanaras were thinking of going back to Swayamprabha’s cave which had fruits and sweet water. Angada was dejected and ready to die.

Hanumanji admonished the monkeys. He reminded Angada that Rama had great love for Angada and that Sugriva does not have enemies. In any case, even if they hide, Rama’s arrow will find them out.

He then revealed the divinity of Rama and Lakshmana. He also told the monkeys that the purpose of their avatara is to destroy Rakshasas and re establish Dharma. So the vanaras are blessed for being able to serve Rama.

Picture Credit: Dr K.U.Krishnakumar and Guruvayoor Devaswom

The ocean near the Mehendra mountain was very deep. The vanaras stated Sugriva's decree is for real, and that should prepare to face death. They made beds with Darbha grass and laid down waiting for death to embrace them eventually.

Picture Credit: Jodhpur Kalam, Rajasthani School of Art

The bird was old and its wings were burnt. It noticed the assembled Vanaras and realized that they could be his prey. The vanaras thought that the vulture was going to eat them and were prepared to die. They wondered aloud that another vulture, Jatayu, was so kind to them. The vulture became curious at the mention of Jatayu’s name. Angada told the vulture about Sita’s abduction and Jatayu’s heroic role. Then the vulture revealed that Jatayu was its brother.

Picture Credit: art-ma.com

Sampathy heard about Jatayu’s death and did final rites for Jatayu. "Jatayu and I flew up and reached near the Sun. The sun was scorching and started burning Jatayu's wings. To protect him I flew on top to give him cover. My wings got burnt as a result and I crashed to the ground unable to fly any longer. I went to a nearby Ashram and a sage told me that when I meet with Vanaras searching for Sita, I will grow new wings. I should tell them about Lanka.”

Sampathy also said “the sage advised on the influence of Maya. We are attached to our body and identify with. We undertake karmas under the influence of Maya. The Jivatma believes it is the doer and enjoyer of the karmas. He advised me on the cycle of birth and death. “

Adhyatma Ramayana thus weaves its philosophical teachings with the events of Ramayana.

Picture Credit: Balasaheb Pant, Chitra Ramayana

Sampathy could see across long distances as it was a vulture. Sampathy said that the city of Lanka is at the Trikuda mountain. The ocean in between is very deep. In Lanka, Janaki is residing in a garden, surrounded by Rakshasa women guards. It must be at least 100 yojanas away. Those who can jump across that long distance will be able to meet with Sita.”

Sampathy also said the name of Rama itself is like a boat by which everyone can cross the ocean of samsara itself.

Picture Credit: Dr K.U.Krishnakumar and Guruvayoor Devaswom

The Vanaras discussed among themselves how to cross the ocean full of crocodiles and other dangerous creatures. The maximum distance the strongest of them would be able to cross as 90 yojanas, still 10 yojanas short.

Then Angada said that he could jump a hundred yojanas one way, but he is doubtful about jumping back. He again suggested that they should face death by fasting if they cannot accomplish the task.

Picture Credit: Mewar Ramayana, National Museum

Jambavan said in his youth he had circumambulated Vishnu 12 times in ten minutes but was too weak now. Then Jambavan asked Hanuman why he is silent. He reminded Hanuman that he is the descendant of Shiva through Vayu. In power, speed, and prowess, he is like Vayu. In his youth he had tried reaching the Sun thinking it was a mango. Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswara blessed Hanuman. He also reminded Hanuman that since Rama gave him the ring, he must have foreseen Hanuman’s jump.

Hanuman roared like a lion and grew to a gigantic form. He said he would jump across the ocean, destroy the city and bring Sita back. Alternatively, he would carry Ravana back in one hand and the Trikuda mountain and Lanka on the other. He was confident that he could do it since he had Rama’s ring with him.

Picture Credit: J. Martin and Manoj Publications